President Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” between India and Pakistan following days of rising tensions filled with military strikes and counterstrikes on the respective countries’ military installations.
Both countries have engaged in clashes over the last few weeks after tourists were slain in a portion of Kashmir controlled by India last month. The Indian government blamed Pakistan for the attack, which left 26 dead, while the Pakistani government denied involvement.
Since then, drone strikes and missile volleys from the nuclear-armed countries have intensified. However, U.S. involvement in brokering a ceasefire deep into the night appeared to have halted hostilities.
“After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE,” Mr. Trump said on social media on Saturday. “Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted in a statement that he and Vice President JD Vance were involved in brokering a truce.
Mr. Rubio said he and Mr. Vance engaged with senior Indian and Pakistani officials, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and military officials from the respective countries “over the past 48 hours.”
“We commend Prime Ministers Modi and Sharif on their wisdom, prudence, and statesmanship in choosing the path of peace,” Mr. Rubio said.
Mr. Vance lauded “the President’s team, especially Secretary Rubio,” in a post on X, adding that he was grateful to the “leaders of India and Pakistan for their hard work and willingness to engage in this ceasefire.”
Mr. Vance previously told Fox News in an interview earlier this week that the U.S. could try to encourage deescalation between India and Pakistan, “but we’re not going to get involved in the middle of war that’s fundamentally none of our business and has nothing to do with America’s ability to control it.”
“You know, America can’t tell the Indians to lay down their arms. We can’t tell the Pakistanis to lay down their arms. And so, we’re going to continue to pursue this thing through diplomatic channels,” he said.
Officials in both India and Pakistan acknowledged the ceasefire shortly after Mr. Trump’s announcement.
External Affairs Minister of India Subrahmanyam Jaishankar recognized the stoppage in a post on X, writing that both “worked out an understanding” to end military action.
“India has consistently maintained a firm and uncompromising stance against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,” he said. “It will continue to do so.“
Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar echoed that message, and said in a post on X that both sides had agreed to “a ceasefire with immediate effect.”
“Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region,” he said. “Without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity!”
